3. Definitions:
Emergencies are situations in
which the lives and welfare of
people are at such a risk that
extraordinary action must be
mobilized to ensure their
survival, protection and well-
being.
4. Psychosocial refers to an
interrelation between
psychological and social
factors, between the mind and
society.
Assessment typically answers
a referral question, solve a
problem or arrive at a decision
through the use of tools of
evaluation
5. Emergency Psychosocial
Assessment (EPA)
Used as a tool for the assessment
of the psychosocial well-being of
children and families in
emergencies.
a flexible process that is
continuously evolving, adaptive
and responsive to the needs and
circumstances of the emergency
situation, the community and its
people – as well as of the
assessment team
6. Similarities of EPA to other
Assessments
Emphasize varying degrees of
participation among different types
of stakeholders, depending on their
capacity, availability and their
desired quality and level of
involvement
Guided by the principles and ethics
Information Gathering Process
7. Differences of EPA to other
Assessments
It assesses:
the information about the
context of the disaster
Return to Family and
Community Life
Sustainable Community Well-
being
8. How should EPA be conducted?
Coordination
Orientation
Linkages
Gathering Data
Field Notes
Feedbacks
9. Where is EPA usually
conducted?
Usually on the areas affected
by social emergencies
10. GOAL of EPA:
to contribute to the
community’s pursuit of peace,
social justice and respect for
human rights through
processes and actions in
assessments and follow-up
programming.
11. Questions answered by
EPA
1. Identify potential areas or
issues needing immediate
attention.
2. What are the potential sources
of conflict and tensions at the
individual and social levels?
3. What are the support needed
to pursue peace and
development?
12. Are people’s survival and protection
needs being met?
Are people being given correct and
accurate information?
Is an environment being created in
which people can return to normalcy
and routine?
13. Why do People come to undergo
EPA?
To identify the long term effects of
the disaster/s to themselves
Providing Psychosocial support to
communities and individuals help
them to cope with their emotions
and psychological wellbeings
14. The healing and rebuilding of
individuals and families are
necessary for the mending and
reconstruction of the greater
community.
15. Who are qualified to do this type of
assessment?
Personal qualities
Commitment to humanitarian
work.
Ability to remain calm under
pressure.
Ability to manage stress.
16. Skills
Excellent communication and
interpersonal skills.
Written and spoken English.
Analysis and problem solving.
Understanding of psychosocial
issues.
17. Experience
Experience of working
successfully within a team and
alone.
Experience of living and/or
working in difficult
circumstances, ideally in a
developing or conflictaffected
Country.
18. Qualifications
Masters degree in Psychology,
Social Work, Humanitarian
work or any related fields, and
internal International
Organization for Migration
trainings in Mental Health and
Psychosocial Response.
19. For EPA teams
Should have five to eight people.
One person with experience in
participatory programming.
one person with experience in
assessing psychosocial support in
emergencies.
20. One person who speaks the local
language(s).
Attention should be paid to balance
gender, age and ethnic equity and avoid
any discrimination.
Other support persons
22. References:
Cohen, R. J., Swerdlik, M. E., Smith, D. K., & Cohen, R. J.
(1992). Psychological testing and assessment: An introduction
to tests and measurement. Mountain View, Calif: Mayfield Pub.
Co.
Emergency Assessment definitions | Quizlet. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://quizlet.com/dictionary/emergency-assessment/
Handbook on Psychosocial Assessment of Children and
Communities in Emergencies Retrieved from
http://www.unicef.org/eapro/Handbook.pdf
Psychosocial Needs Assessment in Emergency Displacement,
Early Recovery, and Return IOM Tools.
Retrieved from
http://www.iom.int/jahia/webdav/shared/shared/mainsite/activiti
es/health/mental-health/Psychosocial-Needs-Assessment-
Emergency-Displacement-Early-Recovery-Return-IOM-Tools.pdf
